Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation and Autonomy

This interactive workshop equips educators with practical strategies to build classroom cultures that promote student motivation, engagement, and autonomy. Grounded in research on self-determination theory, the session explores the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how meeting these needs enhances student performance. Participants will examine how to foster a sense of belonging, design lessons that allow for student voice and choice, and use motivation-boosting techniques that are immediately applicable. Educators leave with a toolkit of strategies to help re-engage students, reduce apathy, and build more empowering learning environments.

• Student disengagement and apathy in classroom environments.
  
  
• Lack of student ownership over learning, leading to decreased motivation.
  
  
• Inadequate instructional strategies for fostering autonomy and building classroom community.
  

1. Applying Self-Determination Theory in the Classroom
   Participants will understand the role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in driving motivation and will explore classroom practices that fulfill these psychological needs to increase student performance.
   
   
2. Designing Instruction That Promotes Autonomy and Belonging
   Educators will learn how to provide students with choices, structure goal-setting and self-reflection opportunities, and gather feedback to co-create learning experiences—empowering students to take ownership of their learning.
   
   
3. Building a Motivating Classroom Culture
   The workshop includes hands-on activities and community-building strategies that help cultivate a safe, supportive environment where students feel connected and excited about learning. Teachers will leave with turnkey resources to begin implementation immediately

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